Day of Discipleship

February 23, 2019
St. Paul United Church of Christ115 West “B” Street, Belleville, IL 62220

Many of the anxious calls I receive from pastors and leaders as a Conference Minister often sound like the refrain of the cast of the Wizard of Oz as they are in the dark forest on their way to the see the Wizard. Yet, instead of "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" the refrain is more like "Legal Issues, Tithes and Budgets, Oh My!"

This year's Day of Discipleship is structured quite differently than past years for a particular reason. The purpose of Day of Discipleship is to offer pastors and church leaders the continuing education that could benefit the programs and mission of their churches. In planning and brainstorming for this year's event, the Conference Gatherings Team talked at great length about the most common questions, concerns, and challenges that pastors and church leaders face, do not know how to address, and don't know where to turn to get advice and help.

Out of such brainstorming sessions, the team decided to create an event that would include staff from the wider Church whose work and ministries enable our local churches to keep their buildings and congregations safe, whole, and equipped to do GOOD ministry. This year's Day of Discipleship will include four panel speakers that will travel across the country to be with Illinois South Conference pastors and church leaders. The speakers include: Heather Kimmel, UCC General Legal Counsel, Rev. Malcolm Himshoot, Minister for Ministerial Calls and Transitions (member of the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Team), Rev. Andy DeBraber, Major Gifts Officer (member of the Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity and Communication (OPTIC) team), and Frank Loiacono, from The Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ.

Each panelist will give a brief presentation about the resources they offer, and then there will be time for other panelists to weigh in on how they work together with those persons. Participants of the event will be able to ask general or specific questions. After each panelist speaks, we will be led in a time of "silly songs" with DuBois Center staff and chaplains, followed by an opportunity to hear about some of the new and EXCITING directions DuBois is embarking upon.

To give you an idea of what some of the panelists will be sharing with you...here is a sneak preview:

Heather Kimmel will be sharing some of the most common and most unusual sticky situations pastors and churches find themselves in and how legal counsel can be of help. (Spoiler alert: In the Conference office, it is not uncommon for us to reach out to Heather at least once a month.)

Rev. Malcolm Himshoot will invite us into a conversation about the new directions the Church is moving in terms of the search and call process and how the work of MESA directly helps churches in times of transition.

Rev. Andy DeBraber will offer tangible ways churches can talk about stewardship, as well as providing creative solutions for designing pledge drives or capital campaigns that help support the financial health of the local church.

During the final session, Frank Loiacono will speak not just about health insurance, but the exciting FREE programs and services the Pension Boards is offering to pastors and churches to encourage mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Now, I am going to be honest, I have overheard pastors say, "Oh my church is not sending leaders to Day of Discipleship because it sounds BORING!" I confess, at first glance the topics might not seem as gripping as "How to Grow Your Church in Five Easy Steps," BUT I can promise you the topics that will be addressed are relevant, timely, and vital to keep each of our churches doing what we are called to do-good ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

So if you and your church have ever found yourselves singing the refrain of "Legal Issues, Tithes and Budgets, Oh My!" then you will NOT want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn what tools and resources are needed and available to your church.

Are you looking for an opportunity to share fellowship with pastors in the Illinois South Conference? Are you looking for some spiritual rejuvenation? Are you looking for some great ideas to take back to your congregation for positive change? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you are in luck! The Illinois South Conference Local Church Ministries Team is hosting a Pastor's Sabbath Retreat February 27 and 28 at the Doubletree, 222 Potomac Blvd, Mount Vernon. The event will include a get together the first evening for fellowship and food. The next day will be filled with conversations and activities designed especially for you as a time of reflection and inspiration, as well as more food!

Cost is $30 per person. Make check payable to and mail with the form to Illinois South Conference, 1312 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249. We hope you are able to take advantage of this opportunity. It is our way of saying thanks for all you do for your congregation and the Conference. Click here for a registration form.

Festival of Faith

Calling a youth in Grades 6 -8 and their chaperones. Get ready for Festival of Faith 2019!

Saturday, February 16 at 2 pm to Sunday, February 17 at 2 pm.

Theme: "Catch Fire"---The media, movies, books, and politics all seem to discuss the theme of uprisings which are being done in local grassroots efforts (think: Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner). This may seem new, but even Jesus saw this in His time. Jesus encouraged his disciples and followers to be out there spreading the news of God’s love and desire for us to care for and love our neighbors. He wants us to “catch fire” for God!

Here are all the materials needed for you to register your youth group.

STEP 2: Complete Space Request and Deposit form and send it and your deposit check, postmarked by JANUARY 18, 2019, to Illinois South Conference. Make checks payable to Illinois South Conference.

STEP 3: Complete and compile remaining forms.

STEP 4: When your Group Allocation/Registration form arrives, complete and mail it, along with a single check for all participants AND the entire group’s registration forms, to the Illinois South Conference, postmarked by FEBRUARY 4, 2019.